2016 Jharkhand mob lynching

2016 Jharkhand mob lynching refers to the case of lynching of two Muslim cattle traders by allegedly Cattle-Protection Vigilantes in Balumath forests in Latehar district in Jharkhand on 18 March 2016.[1][2][3] The attackers killed 32 years old Mazlum Ansari and 12 years old Imteyaz Khan who were found hanging from a tree.[4][5]

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According to Jharkhand police, preliminary investigation revealed that the two were on their way to a cattle market in Chatra district. They had at least eight oxen with them, which they intended to sell. They were reportedly caught by a group of people in the early hours, beaten to death and hanged.[6][7][8] According to villagers, there were communal clashes over beef eating in the area three months ago.[9] Police stated the murder was aimed at looting money and cattle.[10]

Police arrested 5 people and identified them as Mithilesh Prasad Sahu alias Bunty, Pramod Kumar Sahu, Manoj Kumar Sahu, Awadhesh Sahu and Manoj Sahu and are looking for three others, also said to be involved in the murders.[11][12] One of the accused has links to a local Gau Raksha Samiti (an outfit for protection of cows).[13]